Initial Experience of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Problem Based- Learning

The purpose of this study was to assess third year physiotherapy students’ perception and views about initial experience of PBL in Musculoskeletal physiotherapy soon after the clinical placement. The self-administered questionnaire measured perception of PBL on a 5-point Likert type rating scale and focus group discussion used to evaluate the PBL among third year physiotherapy students of the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Peradeniya. Eighteen females and six males responded (comprising 75% of the total sample). Most students were positive that PBL contributed to improve communication skills, critical thinking and makes fun. However female students expressed that they enjoyed group work and it was effective in fulfilling learning objectives. These same views were expressed during focus discussion, female students made reference to enjoying the group work of PBL. This concludes that PBL has facilitated learning concepts in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and helped students to manage patients confidently during their clinical training.